Rail Forums

Quite a few decades since I did any modelling so I can't give an up to date comment. Back in the 70s I did have the feeling that Hornby's marketing was pitched more at the toy market rather than at modellers.

Yes Bachmann for me.
Although Hornby have made some great models in the last 10-15 years, personally having both in my collection I find that the Bachmann models are less fragile, marginally cheaper and slightly more reliable.
That said though - compared to what was available in the 1980s/1990s, both make beautiful models...

I would agree that detail on both has improved considerably over recent years -- but, that is tending to make some models increasingly unaffordable. A few years ago, a tolerably acceptable (unpowered) coach could be bought for maybe £15 to £20. Now, some coaches cost over £50. I feel that the model companies are in danger of pricing themselves out of the market if this trend continues. Yes, super-accurate detail looks nice - but plenty of people are unable to afford it.

Raising costs, particularly labour costs in China are more the reason for price increases and their are rumours over Hornby moving production elsewhere. Bachmann being owned by Kader are tied to Chinese production.

I would agree that detail on both has improved considerably over recent years -- but, that is tending to make some models increasingly unaffordable. A few years ago, a tolerably acceptable (unpowered) coach could be bought for maybe £15 to £20. Now, some coaches cost over £50. I feel that the model companies are in danger of pricing themselves out of the market if this trend continues. Yes, super-accurate detail looks nice - but plenty of people are unable to afford it.

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Very true.
I’ve been considering going N gauge for my next project.
The models are slightly cheaper (especially the coaches) and Bachmann have done wonders with the Graham Farish range.

This is my friends display layout with his sons Bachmann 24 (97201) running around in the snow...

Amazing quality considering how tiny it is.
Typical Bachmann reliability too.
Although his Dapol 33 is a bit of peach too...

Definitely, and the range just gets better.
I’m considering a model of a post-closure Seaton Junction in the seventies.
There’s no way that I could afford to do it in 00 (let alone having the space).
But I’ve been bitten by the bug having spent a weekend operating his layout at an exhibition.